Take a look at the legislative successes for Minneapolis in 2014

Lawmakers in the State Capitol have finished their work for the year. During this year’s legislative session, Minneapolis secured significant state investment, as well as the passage of some key measures that are important to folks in the city. The results of this year’s session include:

Funding for projects in Minneapolis, including:

o Nicollet Mall redesign ($21.5 million)

o The Sculpture Garden ($8.5 million)

o YWCA early learning facilities ($3 million)

o Hennepin Center for the Arts ($550,000)

o Brian Coyle Community Center ($330,000)

o The University of Minnesota’s Tate Laboratory renovation ($56.7 million)

o Franklin Avenue Bridge renovations ($11.75 million)

A $9.50 minimum wage beginning in 2016. And starting in 2018, the minimum wage will be indexed to inflation.

A medical cannabis (marijuana) bill, which will begin providing medicine to qualifying patients in July of 2015. The program allows cannabis only in pill, liquid or vapor form, which may be obtained from eight distribution centers around the state. Smoking marijuana and having the plant itself are not allowed.

Nearly $450 million in tax cuts, including a repeal of business-to-business taxes, as well as relief for income tax filers.

A Local Government Aid increase for the City of roughly $986,000 in 2015. Included in the measure is a one-time increase in direct property tax relief for renters and homeowners.

The Women’s Economic Security Act, which is aimed at closing the gender pay gap, offering protections for pregnant and nursing women, and ending sex discrimination.

Greater authority for the City in revoking liquor licenses at problem establishments, as well as licensing for cocktail rooms at microdistilleries.

A ban on gun possession for persons convicted of domestic violence offenses.

Protections for renters who must break a lease early due to safety reasons, and the establishment of the Housing Opportunities Made Equitable program.

The Safe and Supportive Schools Act, which is a policy to reduce bullying on school premises and online, with local control over program specifics to meet policy requirements.

Published May 27, 2014

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